Matrix assembling and distributing machine.



PATENTBD JUNE 9, 1908.

' v P. B. QONVERSE, JR.

MATRIX ASSEM BLING AND DISTRIBUTING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED SEPT-17, 1900.

4 SHEETS--SHEET 1.

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P L J E S R E V N O 0 R R LING AND DISTRIBUTING MACHINE-5.. APPLIUATION FILED SEPT.17, 1906.

MATRIX ASSEMB 4 SHEETSSfiEET 2.

' H2 van to)? PATENTED JUNE 9, 1908. F. CONVERSE, JE-

MATRIX AS SEMBLING AND DISTRIBUTING MACHINE.

APPLIOATIOH IILED SEPT. 17, 1906.

4SHEETS-SHEET 4.

W 56i; gq'd'ed' To all whom it mayfcoiwem:

O AS IGNORQBa am 'i SIGN- 'MENTS, T MIQRGENTH LER n noryrn Conn-WY, A CORPORATION-pr NEW ronic;

f ni ami smsmm AND nis'rmnu'rine MACHINE.

spec ificationof ma istra es. I

Patented magma,

Application filed fieptember 17 1906. Serial No. 334,850.

Be it known'tha't I, FnA ois B. CONVERSE, Jr. residing at N ew' Haven, in the'county of NewHaven and State of Connecticut, have invented a certain "new and useful Improvement in Matrix Assembling and Distributing Machines, of which the following is a full,

clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings;

" This invention has for its object the production of a rapidandeflicient mechanismfor conveniently discharging matrices from a" classified supply contained in a magazine; for assembling them in a' line, and for distributing the matrices after, use, into the magazine. The mechanism is adapted to use matrices each having two characters, one in each of two'opposite faces to as semble them with eithercharacter inoperativeposition, as desired, inverting them when neces-f,

sary to bring therequired characters into position; and tc r'eturn' the matrices to the channelsof the magazine, all in the same relative position, to be used again. 25,,

The nechanismiis ad 'pted for use in any form of machine that assembles matrices or dies from a supplyin the magazine, and which after use (either as a mold from which a cast is made'o'rasv dies to impress a matrix, orotherwise) returns the matrices to the channels of the magazine.

The distributing; mechanism is operative in connection with matrices having a-single character, as well" as with those-having two,

characters. c c r General Description. 7 In 7 general the invention provides elongated matrices having two characters (either different characters or variant forms or faces of the same character) one in each of two opposite longitudinal edges; means for releasing the matrices from the magazine in whichthey are storedjend to end in upht columns, a-vshiftable gate by meansof which the matrices are conducted to the asl. semblage point eitherdirectly or turned end forend to bring either character into oper'ative' os'ition. With this is: combined means for? istribnting'the matrices, after use, into the proper channels of the magazine, depositlthemtherein', thesame relatlve posiamgma ao be usedfagain; T0 this end means are provided for removing the matrices singly from the end of the line to be distributed, and for inserting them in horizontal positions into the cells of amoving conveyor. This conveyer advances the matrices sidewise, their nicked edges being downward; and passes them over a succession of selectorplates, each of which is provided with upwardly extending projections or wards corresponding with the nicks of the respective -matrices'.

An open-end receiving channel is formed between each two selector-plates; and the selector-plate immediatelyrpreceding each channel has wards corresponding'to the nicks of the inatrixbelonging-in that channel. The matrix while-passing over" the face of a selector-plate rests .upon the ends of the wards of thatgplate. If the wards of the plate and the nicks of the matrix do not correspond, as the matrix'passes offthat plate notches in its 'vert'icalends engage fixed horizontal tongues projecting into their path, which sustain the matrix while it is passing over the-open end of the receiving channel. The matrix thus passes over successive selectorlates and channels until it reaches a se actor-plate having Wards corresponding to its nicks, whereupon the matrix drops upon the top'of that plate a distance equal to the height of the wards, thereby bringing its notches and the upper edge of the matrix below the line of the sustaining tongues.

matrix free t'o drop into theadjacent channel as it comes over that channel. One of two projecting ribs, one on each of the vertical end walls of the channel just below its entrance, stands inthe path of a projection on one vertical end of the matrix insnch manner as to support that end of the matrix while the other end. falls to s dearly vertical position, whereu on the matrix d scends endwise yertical y into its channel. The

matrices are all thus returned to their ch'an-- nelswith the ends provided with the rojections uppermost, irrespective of t eir revious position in the assembled line.

ach channel iscontinued downward inthe form of a narrow passageway, retaining the matrices end to end in a single column, from which the lowermost adapted to be discharged in Q assembling.

The above'described operation leaves the,

. character.,is punched or formed s1te edges as a a.

described, reference being had to t panying drawings.

Drawings. I Figure 1 is a longitudinal vertical section,

substantially on lines 1-1 of Figs. and 4..

.Fig. 2 is a transverse vertical section, as on line 22 of Fig. l and 4. Fig. 3,is a lower construction of the mechanism sectioned on thesame plane as Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a sectional plan, being taken substantially on line 4-r-4 of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation, on. the offset line 5-5 in Fig. 3, bein i'n effect a lower continuation of the right hand portion of Fig. 1.- Fig. 6 is a view re resenting assembled matrices, some of w ich have been inverted to resent italic faces. Figs. 7 and 8 are an e evation and cross sect-ion, respectively, of a matrix. Fig. 9 is a detail showing a selector-plate. Fig. 10 is a left hand end view of the cut-off feed channel.

- llIatrix.-My matrix ais shown in Figs. 7 and 8. It consists, of a flat elongated rectan ular late of a thickness corresponding to t e wi' th ofthe character it bears. The

in its oppobe entirely dissimilar orone may. be a; variant form of the other, as the Roman and italic form of the same. letter. N icksaf. in various selective combinations are'..i,al.s:o' cut in the opposite edges. Notches 1.51 each end leave comparatively narrow pro ections .0, between them and the edg s. Beveled.

grooves a. are cut in the edges of the thicker matrices of such depth as to leave the thick-- uses at the edge the same as the thickness of the thinnest matrix. The matrix has a projection a at one end for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

Distributing mechanism.1t will be most convenient to consider'first .the distributing portion of the invention. a, lying horizontally on edge side by side and requiring to be distributed, is fedendwise into the horizontal channel 1) (Figs. 1 and 10), between the lates b and 6 supported by the downwardly extending portions e, e of thevertical frame lates e, e. The matrices are retained in afinement, the end ro'ections a extendin into the 'r'ooves in the side walls of the channel 6. The matrix line is pressed by a spring-actuated follower b, of any desirable form, toward the plate 6 at the ri ht hand end of the channel b. -A lifter late 0, of a width substantially equal to 't he length of a matrix, has an upplerportion c, (the thickness of which is shg tly less than that of the thinnest matrix) extending into'an o ening between the bottom plate 6 and tiie plate'rb, as shown in Fig. 1. This lifter plate is permitted vertical movement by the gibs a plate 6 A The two characters may.

A line of matrices.

double armed lever a secured to the rockspring 0 secured to theframe and tothe depending arm 0 of the lever tends to raise the (plate. '-Its a'ct-ionis controlled by a roll c on a link c lwhich'isguided at its upper end by astud c which engages a slot in'the link. lower end to the short lever-arm c secured to the rear end of the shaft 0 As the alternate depressions and projec tions of the cam e pass the roll 0, the lifter plate 0 rises and falls, being lifted by the spring 0 and delpressed. by the projections of t 1e cam. As his plate'rises it lifts with it the end matrix in the channel I), carrying it through the slot 0 into one of-the cells d of a series of-carriers d directly aboveit. When the lifter descends, the pressure of the follower b advances the remaining matrices to bring the next matrix into position to be transferred to the carrier by the next upward stroke of the lifter.

The slot-c must'be wide enough to permit the passage of the thickest matrix. The

The shanks are seated in sockets with springs 1) project out nearly across the slot 0 and the slots in which the heads are seated permit inward movement of the plungers against their springs. Theseplungers stand norbut they prevent the passage two at a time. The plungers are in line with the beveled notches a a ofthe matrices. As a thick matrix is lifted through the slotc, the beveled surface at these notches meet the headof the plungers, pressing them-backward to permit the passage. The matrices are by these means transferred singly to the successive cells of the series of continually moving carcarriers consists of a late (1 having on the underside the projecting ribs d which form the cells (1 between them. Rack-teeth 1]" spacing of the ribs. The length ofa carrier and the number of cells in each is a matter of convenience only. Enough of these carriers are provided to make an endless line of them around" the elliptical path formed by the grooves e e in t ie frame plates e e. in, which carriers near their ends, engage to guide them.

ings in the frame plates e, meshes withthe it. .The shaft is driven in the direction indi- The link. is pivoted at its passage of two thin ones together is prevented plunge-rs b b"?, each of which consists; of a" round shank and the rectangular head b.

riers d before mentioned. Each' of theseare formedon'the side opposite to the ribs,. the pitch of these teeth being equal to the A gear e on the shaftle'f, which has bear.

shaft 0 engages by its yoked ends the rod c secured by the lug c lto the plate 0. A

a cam 0 on the shaft e) which actsthrough b b pressing them outward. The heads b mally 'sothat a thin matrix can passthem;

pins i d -projecting from each side of the rack teeth (I of the carrier directly beneath 1 ,chine, ,o'f this" mechanism is intended to form a part. "In thus rotating,jthe gear a advances the carrier engaged by it, and with italltlie 'rest'of the carriers in the elliptical pathqflTh'e carrier following the engaged An opening f substantially widerthan the matrix corresponding to each selector platels 4o across the open end'of the receiving channels carrier isjbroughtfinto engagement with the gear as tlie'preceding carrier passes out of such engagement, thus maintaining continuous advancement of the carriers toward the h QfEia ual to the spacing of the cells, and

.thereg b'emg as inany projections on the cam 0 as there are teeth'on the gear a, it follows that the lifter c isreciprocated once during the assage of each cel ofthe carriers over the s o't of, tof'deliver a matrix to each cell.

" "The 'matrices received in the cells of thesecarriers are advanced by them over the up per facesof the selector-plates f. There are asimany oftheseplates as there are characters tobe distributed. They consist each of a fia't piece of metal having the upwardly ex-- tending wards'f, and are held in place by being mortised in. the plates f f, at each end.

left betweens'uch plate and the next one ,to therightf'thereof. These openings f form upper ,e'xli fisions f, channe s f into, which the matricesi-when releasedmay fall. The channels f are made bythe partition plates f jin iline with the selector plates, and the front and back plates f and j", which extend across these partitions.

The matrices are adapted to be carried f by the sections of an interrupted tongue f fore supp ontheinner side of each of thje plates f These tongues bridge the channels only, being cut awayndirectly above the selector-plates, as shown in Figs. 1 ands They are-so positioned that the notches a in each end of the matrix pass'over them as the matrix passes off the selector-plates. These tongues thereort the matrix at its opposite vertitical en but release it to'permit it to besupportcd by the up er face of the Wards as it is passing over t e selectors. y The. flanges which carry the horizontal tongues are each provided with a smooth continuous faceiff, IThesefaces bear. against Each matrix being advanced horizontally sidewise, is supported alternately by, the seledtor} lates,,]- elow andthe-tonguesf at its en s, nntil it reaches a selectorp1ate the therack teeth on the carriers wards of which correspond to the nicks on the lower. edge of the matrix. Thereupon the matrix drops down on the selector plate v a distance equal to the height of the wards.

,This brings upper edge of the matrix below the-line of the tongues f As the matrix is thenadvanced from its supportingselectorplate, it falls into the receiving channel f.

Sevenpositions of nicks furnish an ample number of combinations 'for fonts of the usual size. The same combination of nicks is used in the two halves of each matrix, so thatthe matrix is always supported on both sides of the middle in passing over the successive selectors until it is released by its own selector. The nicks may be wide ornarrow as illustrated in the vdifferent viewsof matrices shown, from a width .includingall the seven difierent positions to a widthflf atrsingle position. w

As has been stated, the matricesv are-provided with two characters, of which one will usually be a variant form of the othery as Roman and italic. One edge of the matrix being used for the Roman and the opposite edge for the italic, the matrices may come. to the distributin point with eitheredgevupe; permost, as ilustrated (in [the assembled? block of matricesin Fig. 6. o causevt-hi matrices toassume the same in their. channels, .wh1chever way they are presented;

to'the selecting mechanism, '1 provide at one end of the matrix the extension (1- Extending over the selector-plates 1", near their V I ends, are-the ribs f which are formed on the inner faces of the plates f These ribs' project far enough into the channel mounts projection a, of a matrix in the channel mouth, and the'opposite rib clears the other end ofthe matrix. The result of this ,is the t as the matrix drops into the channel, the tongue a strikes one or the other of the ribs f whichformsa fulcrum about which the matrix swings downward. Therefore the matrix always passes into the channel with the ,end having the projection uppermost.

The channels f 4 are continued downwardly inthe form of narrow passageways f 11 which are adaptedto hold the matrices in a single column, end to-end, as shown in Fig. 3, the passageways being provided by partition plates f 12 between the front and back plates f and f. forms the magazine in which the matrices are stored, the-bottom matrix in each passe geway restingon an escapement device, which constitutes the discharge mechanism, which will now be described. i Assemblage mechanism-The magazine, composed of the individual channels f is, if such length as to. contain a considerable number of matrices, standing on end, one above the other. The lowermost mar =1 restson the escapement pawl gpivotally c-' so that one or the other rib is underneath the The group of these passagewafm i 65 laterallyon its rear-face,

n'ed at the lower end of a rocking lever 'g."

This lever is pivoted at its mid point, and at its .up pler en pivotally carries another pawl e lever is provided with a third arm '5 g connected by a ink g with the corres )ond- I allows the bot-tom matrix to drop by gravity.- return of the link 9 projects the awl g into the path of the matrices and wit-ii the pawl allowing all the matrices above it to drop onto the pawl 9 :In assembling the matrices, they may be inverted whenever desired, to allow the use of they variant characters in' the other edge of the matrix. This inverting mechanism comprises a gate 71-, which has channels 7t, eachadapte'd to lead downward in substantially =a' continuation of a channel f and has other channels k which bend toward the horizontal at an angle of about 459/ Beneath the gate.are the discharge channels t'which lead downward to the-assemblage position. The

. up er portion '5 of each channel t is s-ubst antla y 1n alinement with the corresponding channel f If now the gate is in its forward p0sition,'the channels it connect the channe'lsf directly with the channels i and the'released matrix drops straight down by gravity, foot end foremost, into the maih that the simple touch of the operators hand on the handle is, giving it a slight move-- ment up or down, may change the characters =discharge channels 11 in its course to the assembhng mechanism, by WlllCh the successive matrices will be assembled in a common e, as usual. Mechanisms suitable for the purpose are known in the art in various forms, and constitute no part of the present nvention.

. 40 When it is desired to invert the matrices,

, the gate is shifted rearwardly into the position shown in Fig. 3, thus bringing the upper endof the channels 71 into alinement with the lower end of the channels f At the same time, the lower end of the channels 71 register with laterally extending spaces 2' provided on the forward side of the channel it, and se arated therefrom by the partition 1?. The ateral extensions t have bottom plates '5 and top plates 1' which are each at angles of about 45 to the horizontal. Thus the matrix sliding down a channel 71 comes into the lateral space just behind the upper wall t In this position the u per end of '.th e matrix is unsupported, whi e the lower end .is above a ledge 'i provided by a groove cutin the upper face of the bottom wall t.

The lower end of the matrix being'thussiipa, ported, the upper end swings downward about this edge as a fulcrum, br1ng1ng the matifix' onto the',lower wall '5 vFrom this point it slides downward bygravity beneath the lower end of the partition 'i 'into the channel i, this channel being bowed outwardly draws "in one of the arms k is as shown at 'i to come into a vertical position in the channel 1'. Thus the matrix is caused to turn a somersaultdurin its passage from its magazine to n I D the receiving channel.

, It will be seen from the above that while the matrices allstand in their magazines with their foot end lowermost, they are adapted to'be discharged into the channel 2', citherfoot end or head end lowermost, as desired, the same being controlled simply by shifting the gate la. o

The gate'h is slidably carried between the magazine and the receiving channels by means of'gibs h? on the opposite end of the gate which take into grooves i in blocks i secured to theoppositc ends of the group of receiving channels.

Toshift the gate, I provide a rock shaft 7c which has at its opposlte ends, a pair of rigid arms is, the upper ends of which have slot-s which receive pins h" extending from the ends of the gate. The rock shaft 7: is provided with an operating armJr having a handle le A suitable pin loosely mounted ressed inward by a s ring is, seating in eit ier of two depressions i in the block '5 at each end of' the stroke of the lever It, to maintain the gate 72 yieldingly in position, but allowing it to be shifted very easily whenever desired.

It results from the mechanism described of the matrices being assembled from'Roman to italic, or whatever change is provided on the matrices. Thlsoperatlon is so simple that, when desired, a change can be made without substantial delay for a single word or letter in a line, as illustrated in Fig. 6.

I'believe it to be wholly new in distributing a mechanisms to combine with a set of matrices which are non-symmetrical in form, that is to say, of different forms at opposite ends or sides, means for directing these matrices through a common path, and means in said path to cause the passing matrices to rotate by gravity to the right or the left as they continue their course.

I also believe it to be wholly new in dis tributing mechanisms to combine with a series of matrices and means for delivering them successively through a common path, adjustable or variable means whereby the gravitating matrices may be caused to turn edgewise in a definite manner as they continue in their course. i

I also believe it to be wholly new in distributing mechanismsitocombine witha series of matrices and-means for directing them one after another in -a common path, controllable means causing the matrices to pursue their course without turning, 01 toeffect a definiteturning movementat Will. g

ing matrices may be effected;

I also believe it to be wholly new in distr buting mechanisms to combine with means for directing matrices one after another in a straight path, means which may be interposed in said path at will to efiect' a definite means, whereby the rotation of the ad'ancceed.

I also believe'it to be wholly new in the art to combine with matrices having characters in different faces, a distributing mechanism whereby the matrices standing with either turning motion of the matrices as they pro' end upward will all be delivered with like ends upward. 7

Having thus described my IHVGII'LIOH, I claim:

1. The combination with matrices having characters in opposite edges, of a magazine adapted to contain such matrices, mechanism for distributing the matrices into the magazine in a definite position, means for discharging a matrix therefrom, and controlledmechanism for turning it or not as desired.

' 2'. The combination with a series-of matrides, -a magazine wherein the matrices are sustained one upon another endfto'- end,

means for discharging the matricesindividu ally from the lower end of the magazine, and mechanism controllable by the operator for turning the discharged 'matrices through substantially 180 degrees when required; whereby the matrices may be delivered to the line either the position which they or in an inverted posit1on,.at will.

3. Matrices each having characters'in op posite edges, in combination with a magazine wherein said matrices are stored on end in a column, means for releasing the matrices one-at a time from the bottom of the column, and manually controllable mechana ism for definitely turning the released matrices end for end; whereby matrices vertically arranged ifithe magazine may be caused to present one character or the other inline at the will of the: operator...

4, The combinat on with: matrices having characters in opposite faces, of a magazine adapted to contain such matrices endto end, -means' for discharging a matrix, and con:

trolled mechanism adapted to turn the,inatrix through substantially 180 degrees. to

cause the matrix to stand other end up with l eference to its position in the magazine after discharge.

--5. Thecombmation with leasing the bottom matrix, and controlledniechanismi "adapted to turn the mati'ix :th'r

the" ni'atr'ix tostand other end upwith refer once to its "position in the magazine after release. v *6. The" combination of a magazine'adapt I ed to carry matrices, mechanism for'distr b uting the matrices to the -magazine in'a" defi ni'te osition, mechanismfor discharging a matrix,- and mechanismfor turning it ornot, as desired; r

7. The combination characters in opposite faces, of a magazine adapted to contain such matrices end'to end, mechanism for distributing the matrices into the magazine with a definite end toward the discharge point, means for discharging the end matrix, and controlled mechanismada t ed to turn thematrix end for end after ischarge.

8. The combin'ationwith matrices having characters in opposite faces, of amag'a'zine adapted to contain such matrices one above the other in a c'olunm, mechanism; for distributing the matrices into the ma azine witha definite edge lowermost, means or releasing the bottom matrix, and controlled mechanism adapted to turn the matrix after release. f V l '9. The combination of a magazine channe l adapted to contain a series of matrices,,a receiving channel, and an intermediate shift able gate adapted toguide the bottom matrix'in a straightline from its magazine to the receiving channel or to invert it during such passage. i

automatic mechanism for distributing matrices to' the magazine in a definite osi .tion, a receiving channel, an intermediate shiftable gate adapted to guide thereIea'Sed matrix without inversion from the ma azine to the'receivin'g channel or to invert it durin" such passage, and means for shifting sa ir gate.

1 1. prising a series of upright channels side by side, each channel adapted to containand hide a series of matrices end to end, means or releasing'the bottom matrix to the action mediate shiftable gate adapted to guide the bottom matrix witho'ut inversion from its' magazine channel to- 'the receiving channel, or to invert it during such passage. j l 1 2. The combination of a magazine havin cl'lannels adapted to contain matrices in a column, mechanism for automatically disw th. a e a e? a W d disburse with matrices having The combination of a magazine com- Y am) e weather in'a=coh'ir'r'1n'; meansfo reigh substantially 180 degrees to cause .1

10. Thecombination of amagazirie channeladapted to contain a series of'm'a'trices,

such

offg'ravity, a rec'eivingchannel, and'an intertributing the matrices into their" "channels 9 point, means for discharging the matrices,

and means for turning a matrix whenever desired. I

13. The combination of a vertical magazmehaving channel's ada ted to contain matrices placed end to en mechanism for automaticall distributing the matrices into their channe s with a definite end toward the discharge point., mechanism for discharging the bottom matrix singly, a receiving channel below the magazine, and intermediate guiding mechanism between the magazine and receiving channel to allow the matrix to pass directly from the magazine to the receiving channel or toturn it during the pas sage.

. somersaulting a matrix whenever desired.

15. The combination of a vertical magazine adapted to contain matrices placed end to end, means for discharging a matrix into a receiving channel with the same end uppermost which the matrix hadin the magazine,

and means for causing said matrix whenever desired to turn a somersault during such discharge.

16. The combination of avertical magazine having channels adapted to contain matrices placed end to end, mechanism for automaticall distributing the matrices into their channels with a definite end toward the discharge point, means for discharging a matrix into areceiving channel with the same end lowermostwhich the matrix had in the magazine, and means for causing said matrix whenever desired to turn a somersault during such discharge;

17 The combination of a Vertical magazine adapted to contain matrices placed end to end, escapement mechanism for discharging the bottom matrix singly, a receiving channel below the magazine, and intermediate guiding mechanism between the magazine and receiving channel to allow the matrix to ass directly from the magazine to the-recelving channel or to somersault it during the assage.

18. e combination of a magazine adapted to contain matrices placed end to end, means for discharging the end matrix, areceiving channel, intermediate guiding mechanism between the magazine and'receiving channel to allow the matrix to'pass directly from the magazine to the receiving channel or to somersault it during the'passage, and hand-controlled mechanism for shifting the guiding mechanism.

19. The combination of a channel adapted to contain a series of matrices, a receiving channel having two passageways leading thereint-o, a shiftable gate adapted when in one position to guide the matrix directly into one of said passageways, and when in another position to guide the 'n'iatrix pan tially inverted into the other pas igeway, said last mentioned passageway having space to allow the matrix to turn head end down.- ward. v

20. The combination with a magazine channel, a receiving channel having a later ally o'llset por ion near its upper c nel. and the receiving channel, said gate having a passages Ly adapted to direct the ma trix diagonally into said oii's'ct, said offset being )rovided with a ledge adapted to engage t e matrix near its foot and allow it to swing downward and pass head lowermost into the receiving channel.

21. The. combination with a magazine channel, a receiving channel provided with a vertical passageway and a diagonal passage Way, agate between. the magazine channel and the receiving channel, said gate having a vertical passa eway adapted to connect the magazine and t e receiving channel directly .and having abent passageway leading laterally at an angle and adapted to discharge the matrix into the diagonal passageway.

22. The combination with a magazine channel, a receiving channel provided with a vertical passageway and an o'fi'set passageway,

s'agew'ay, a gate between the mags-rim) chain; 1

nel and the receiving channel, said gate having passageways adapted to connect the magazine with either the vertical or diagona' passa eway mentioned, a lcdgein said diagonal passageway about which the matrix may turn and pass diagonally downward, and escapement mechanism for discharging the matrices one'at a time. i

24. The combination with matrices ha .:in;.a' characters in opposite edges, means for an tomatically distrilmting them into a rim-gt d, intermediate gate be; Ween the mag-amine than zinc, and means for automatically controi ling the direction which the matrix takes in the magazine.

, 25. The combination. with matrices hat-- ing characters in opposite edges, means for automaticallv distributing them into a mags. zine, means for automaticallycontrolling tli direction which the matrix takes in t' magazine, means for releasing the mat 1 andmeans -r'or inverting it following thefeleasea I oidingtb the nicks, and means for causing the distributed matrices to'enter their maga- "th' corresponding faces in the same tron;- -i'rrespective ofthe direction of f-fac'es' "preceding distribution.

""The"' cembination with matrices hav- ,ingcharacters in" their opposite edges, said are "in' -each matrix being variant for of -eabh ether, said matrix having slinil'ar'nickings in its opposite edges, selectingmechanism to cause the distribution of the matrices according to the nicks, and

means onfthe iin'atrices for controlling the direction the'matrix assumes when distributed.

f QS F'T-h combination of matrices having characters in opposite edges, a series of selectors,-'the 'selectors and matrices having corre-.

spondin'g'wardsand nicks, means for successivelypres'eirting the matrices to the selectors, each matrix having a feature on one end different from the other end, whereby the di rection'iof 'distribution'is con rolled.

29, The" combination of matrices having characters a in opposite edges, said matrix having-inns opposite edges the same system P the other when distributed.

of nicksyand having at one end a projection diflerent from the other end, a series of wards 'l ate 'dlto govern thedistribution' ofthe mad tiher of which adapted to be engaged by 'rojection to turnthe matrix one: w'ayor 530;"The-combination of means for automatically? distributing matrices in a horizon- 'tal fpositidn, means' fo r' turning the matrices that tlifeymiay-proceed with one end foremost, and' 'n'iean's adjustable at will to turn the matrices that'they may proceed with the other end foremost.

31. The combination of means for. auto-' -matically distributing. matrices being advanced in'a horizontal position, mechanism for turning the distributed matrices to cause them to pass downward with a definite end upward, and mechanism for inverting the distributed matrix when released.

The combination, with matrices nicked osite edges; of aseries of' alternately placed selectors and receiving channels, on the same side of; the path "of movement of the matrices, means foradvancing the matrices acfoss the selectors with either edge toward them, and means controlled by the selectors determining h ther the matrices pas hereceiving channels.

intol't combination of matrices, a series i l whichever edge is presented to the wards; and a pair of ledges, one or the 'of selectors and open-mouth channelsv 'alt gn nately placed, means for advancing matrices across such-selectors, and mouthssaid mat rices and selectors having selectiveinic'ksan'd wards, notches in the endsof theihatr es, and tongues at the channel mouths at .ptedto entersaid'notches'. j;

'34. The combination, with matrices, of" a series of channels having horizontal open mouths, a series of, horizontal selector plates placed between-the mouths, meansp'for advancing matrices in a horizontal plane across the selectors and mouths, tongues at the opposite ends of the mouths t o'prevent the matrices normally dropping thereinto,"the matrices and selectors having corresponding nicks and wards whereby the matrices may drop onto the selectors and be advanced topass beneath the tongues whereby thev'rnay dropinto such mouths.

'35.' The combination of a series of carriers adapted to move through a given path, means'for inserting mat-rices into said carriers, a series of open-mouth channels adj a cent to the path of the matrices,'a series of selectors consisting of wards corresponding to the nicks of the matrices .formed between the mouths of said channels, and stationary means cooperatingwith the matrices for pre-' 'venting them passing into a channel when the wards and nicks do not correspond.

36. The combination of a series of carriers, means for advancing the same in an orbital path having a straight portion, a series of channels placed at such straight portion, a; series of selectors consisting of wards formed on the walls of the channels, whereby mat rices in the carriers are advanced across the selectors and channels, stationary means cooperating With the opposite ends of the mat rices adapted to prevent them frompass'ing into improper channels while allowing them to pass into proper channels. v I

. 37. The combination of a series of carriers, means for continually advancing themin an orbital path including a horizontal plane in -which the carriers travel, and means obstructingthe mouths of the channels, and adapted to be avoided by the matrices when their nicks fit the adjacent selectors.

38. The combination of a series of movable carriers having cells in which matricesmay be inserted, means for shoving the matrices from a line thereof successively into said cells, alternately placed selectors and-channelmouths, means for advancing carriers across the'same, stationary means engaging opposite ends of the matrices, for preventing t e matrices passing into improper channels, said selectors anchmatrices having wanls and range of said tongues;

nicks adapted when in registration to allow on one end of matrix different from the other,

the matrix to pass beyond the range of said preventing means. a

' 39. The combinationwith matrices having nicking in opposite edges and, notches in their ends, of a movable carrier having in its under side cells in whichmatrices maybe inserted,

means for shoving the matrices from a line thereof successively into said cells, alter- Irately placed selectors and channel-mouths; means for advancing the. carrier across the -same,' tongues opposite the channel mouths and adapted to enter said notches for preventing the matrices passing into improper channels, 'said selectors having wards adapted whenin'rr-gistratioii with corresponding nicks to allow the matrix to pass beyond the 40.. The combination I of continuously I moving carriers, nieans for feeding the same 'WllEll matrices, alternately placed selectors and channel mouths across which the matrii'ces in the carriers paSs st'ati' nary means i for engaging the opposite vertical ends of the matrices to preventthem passin into improper channels, said selectors al owing the matrices when in registration to move to a position where they may clear saidprevent-' ing means and thereby pass into the corresponding channel during the continuous movement of the carriers.

4 41. The combination of a continuously moving carrier having cells, alternately placed selectors and channel mouths across which the matrices in the carrier pass, tongues adjacent to the channel mouths forengaging the matrices to revent them assing intoimproper channe s, said selectors allowing the matrices when in registration to move to a position where they may clear said tongues and thereby pass into the corresponding channel during the continuous movement of the carrier, and means for automatically feeding matrices into the cells of said carrier during its movement.

42. The combination of a matrix having ,charac'ters in opposite edges, and havin a "feature at one end different from the ot er end, means for distributing the matrices, and means adapted to cooperate With Sflld dlS- tinctive feature to determine the position of the distributed matrix in the ma azine.

"43. The combination, with (istributing mechanism, of matrices having variant characters.in two opposite 'dges, and similar dis-- tribution nicks in two opposite edges.

44. Matrices having distribution nicks in the edge and also notches in the ends, in combination with distributing mechanism cooperating with the nicks and notches alternately.

-45. The combination, with distributing mechanism, of matrices having characters in two'opposite edges, and a distinctivefeature two opposite edges, distributing nicks in the samee'dges and a feature on one end ofmaa trix different from other end. v

48. The m'nnbiration, with distributing mechanism, of an elongated. matrix having,

the same combination of distributing nicks in both sides of the middle of one of its edges for the pwposespecified.

49 The combination, with distributing 'fmechanism, of matrices having distribution niche in two opposite edges, andnotchcs in the ends thereof, said notches being similarly located in reference to the nicked ed es.

Q. The combination, with distributing matrices, of matrices havingtwo systems of distinguishing features, one for the selection ofinatrices and the other for the rejection of non-selected matrices.

51. .The combination, with distributing mechanism, of matrices each having two characters and two systems of nicks and pro jections,onesystem being for the selection of matrices, and the other for the rejection of non-selected matrices.

52. In a mechanism for distributing matrices, in combination with matrices provided withtwo systems of nicks, one system being made up of combinations different for each different character, and the othersystem being the same for all characters, receiving channels, and selective wards corresponding to the nicks of the respectivematrices to cause the selection of corresponding matrices, and other wards to cooperate with the second system of nicks for causin the rejection of non-selected matrices, said wards being located similarly in reference to all receiving channels.

53. Thecombination of means for automatically distributing matrices, and means for automatically turning-the matrices to bring definite endsin the same direction irrespective of their direction before distribution.

54. The combination, with matrices having characters in opposite faces, of a magazine ada ted to contain such matrices end to end, inec ianisin for distributing the matrices into the inagazine'with a definite ndtoward the discharge point, means for discharging the matrix, and mechanism ada' ted to turn the matrix through substantia ly 180 de grees.. i

55. The combination, with matrices having characters in opposite e ges,".of a magazine adapted to contain such matrices, one

above theother in a column, mechanism for "distributing-such matrices into the up er end of the magazine, means for releasing t e-bot-. tom matr x in'the magazine, and hand-controlled mechanism adapted to turn such released matrix through substantially 180 .de-

grees- I 56. The combination of a series of movable carriers having cells in which matrices may be inserted, means for shoving. the matrices from a line thereof successively .into said cells, alternately placed selectors and channel mouths, means for advancing carriers across thesame, .and means for obstructing the mouths of the channels and adapted to be avoided by the matrices when their nicks fit the adjacent selectors.

57. The combination with distributing mechanism of a matrix having two characters in opposite faces, said matrix being pro- .vided Wlhhfi. distinctive feature'and the dismechanism arranged to cooperate tributin 1 feature, whereby the matrices may with sai be distributed,'always facing one way irrespective of the way they face in use.

58. The combination with matrices having characters inopposit'e faces of a'magazine for matrices, mechamsmfor recontaining suc 'ceivmg matrices faclng in both dn'ections,

and distributing them facing in one direction only .into' themagazine, and means for asrespondm ly formed characters facing both ways, an to distribute such matrices into the magazine with the characters facing only one way, and means for assemblmgsuc matri'ces from the magazine-with the corr'e-' spondingly formed characters facing either direction as desired.

.60. .The combination, with; matrices hav-- ing characters in o posite faces, of assems blmg mechanism a apted to present either face of the matrix as desired, and distributing mechanism adapted to receive the matrix' with either face presented. todistributeal-,-

ways with, one face presented.

61. In combinat1on' w1th a distributing mechanism, matrices each. having unlike characters in opposite edges, and 'like distributing notches in both edges.

In testimony whereof, I hereunto affix my signature n the presence .of two witnesses.

I FRANCE B. CONVERSE, Jn.

WVitnesses:

CHARLES RUF S HARTE, CLIFFORD H. Boom. 

